United Methodist Church announces plan to split over same-sex marriageThe New York TimesA group of leaders of the United Methodist Church, the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States, announced a plan that would formally split the church, citing "fundamental differences" over same-sex marriage after years of division.
The plan would sunder a denomination with 13 million members globally — roughly half of them in the United States — and create at least one new "traditionalist Methodist" denomination that would continue to ban same-sex marriage as well as the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy.

Are you ready for the 2020s?Center for Healthy ChurchesThe 2020s are upon us, and while I am not interested in speculation, I believe it is important to stop and assess what our current trends suggest we will be dealing with in the coming decade. Here are some very initial and quite limited thoughts about what is before us. First, some of the challenges we know are coming.

A reluctant but effective leaderBiblical LeadershipGideon didn't envision himself becoming a courageous leader. In fact, when the angel of the Lord first appeared to him, this Old Testament hero was threshing grain in a clandestine pit, hiding from the Midianite barbarians who had ravaged the land and confiscated anything of value. Indeed, when the angel addressed him as a "mighty warrior," Gideon may have considered this greeting a sarcastic putdown.

Reaction aplenty to separation planUM NewsUnited Methodists of various perspectives are reacting to a major new plan for getting past the denomination's long struggle over how inclusive to be of LGBTQ persons — one that calls for traditionalists separating and forming their own church group.
Support, criticism, heartbreak. All were all voiced and sometimes in combination. So was concern, including from Africa, about who wasn't represented well enough at the negotiating table.

Creating, maintaining, and enforcing policy is hard. It can get your church in as much trouble as it should prevent. But good processes almost invariably protect your church and make it more effective and efficient in the process. Learn how in our 15-minute webinar.

After shooting, how can Texas churches keep members safe and still welcome all people?Fort Worth Star-TelegramChuck Chadwick has trained volunteer security teams for Texas churches and faith-based organizations for 13 years. During that time, he has never been aware of a church security guard having to shoot someone.
That changed last week, after a man in a church service in White Settlement fatally shot two church members. Then, an armed member of the church's security team shot back, killing the gunman.

A first: Jesus Film in sign language will reach 70 million with gospelChristian HeadlinesThe estimated 70 million deaf people around the world who communicate by signing could have a Jesus Film in their own heart language within several years thanks to a crowdfunded project by Deaf Missions and the Jesus Film Project.
The ministries have raised $746,000 of the $4.8 million needed to fund the project, which will involve actors and actresses signing with American Sign Language, which is used by 70 million people worldwide.

Sponsored by Dr. Michael B. Russell, DSLThere is a misconception in the discussion of implementing Church Safety and Security Teams (CSST) and the ongoing recruitment of qualified volunteers from your church. The predominate consideration of most CSST team leadership members typically focuses solely on armed security and concealed weapons on campus. Although armed security is a noble cause the CSST leadership must consider the 'big picture' of the varied ministry risks such as emergency preparedness, facility safety, financial safeguards, employee and volunteer safety, child/youth protection, plus potential transportation vulnerabilities.

In cold weather, church becomes temporary shelterShoreview PressAbout 20 guests file into Community of Grace Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on a bus from St. Paul each evening, back home for the night.
The church, located just off Highway 61 in White Bear Lake, hosts Project Home, a traveling shelter, every December. It rotates to other churches across Ramsey County every month of the year. Two churches host each month.

Powerful Stewardship Solutions for ChurchesAmerican Church is committed to helping churches and religious organizations discover complete solutions. Our dedicated representatives and exemplary support team will help your church tell your story through envelopes, online giving, mailings, newsletters, websites, and much more. Learn more at americanchurch.com or by calling 800-446-3035.

State convention, association, church, and pastor named in sexual abuse lawsuitBaptist PressA lawsuit filed Dec. 16 alleges former Millcreek Baptist Church pastor Teddy Leon Hill engaged in sexual assault, battery, felonious conduct and the tort of outrage/intentional infliction emotional distress of a minor — referred to as John Doe in the suit. Hill retired in 2018.
The lawsuit also alleges Arkansas Baptist State Convention executive director James "Sonny" Tucker failed to report the suspected sexual abuse in the manner required by Arkansas law following a February 2018 meeting with Hill's ex-wife.

Sponsored by TouchPoint SoftwareOne of the most important capabilities of your church management software is the ability to collect member information and sync it with your database. While there are a lot of valuable data points your ChMS can help you track, having core areas of focus in place from the start will put you in good position to better serve your congregation. Ultimately, it’s about giving your ministry the best opportunity to build meaningful connections with members (both new and old) and grow your community of believers.

'Parking lot tax' officially repealedChurch Law & TaxA controversial provision included with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was officially repealed Dec. 20 after President Trump signed into law two spending packages — worth a combined $1.4 trillion — that Congress adopted earlier in the week.
The original provision was an unrelated business income tax on qualified transportation fringe benefits, including employer-provided parking, provided by nonprofits and churches.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2020IRSThe Internal Revenue Service issued the 2020 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on January 1, 2020, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
57.5 cents per mile driven for business use, down one half of a cent from the rate for 2019; 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down three cents from the rate for 2019, and
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

PRINCIPLE FUNCTION: To support the church's mission of leading people to experience life change through Jesus Christ by directing and coordinating the administrative, financial and operational business functions of the church.

REPORTS TO: Senior Pastor

FUNCTIONS: Oversee finance office in a manner that supports the overall mission and vision of HHBC.